It wasn't much, but one inning pitched was enough to mark a huge step forward in the salvaging of Boston Red Sox pitcher Daniel Bard.

Bard, who hadn't taken the mound in a game since May 15, make his first appearance in the Rookie Level Gulf Coast League on Monday afternoon, according to WEEI.com's Alex Speier.

It was a rough start to the fourth inning appearance, as Bard walked the first batter before surrendering a single and eventually entering a bases-loaded situation with one out. However, Bard managed to pitch out of the jam after notching a strike out and a fly ball out.

According to Speier, Bard had some trouble controlling his fastball, but did show great stuff on his changeup.

The 28-year-old is now far removed from his days as the dominant setup man for then-Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon. Since the fireballer was moved to the starting rotation in 2012, Bard's stock has imploded, and the team has been forced to rebuild him from the ground up.

Injuries have not helped Bard's progress. An abdominal strain had kept the reliever off the mound, but it appears that Bard is again taking steps back towards the major league roster.

Fenway Park is still a ways off for Bard, who has seen both his velocity and control regress over the past couple of seasons.

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After Bard pitched his one inning, he was replaced by another Red Sox pitcher working his way up through the minor league ladder after an injury: Alfredo Aceves.

Aceves, who hadn't pitched since July 9, is coming off of a DL stint for an oblique strain.